I wanted to highlight how the proposed Centre for Dental Development at the University of Suffolk in Ipswich can also play a role. The University Dental Centre could work hand in glove with the Training Centre in Norwich to make sure people are trained locally and stay to work professionally in East Anglia, increasing our dentistry number. This would also ensure that when needed, dentists are able to be pooled to provide services within the NHS.

I was incredibly pleased to hear how positive the Minister for Health, Will Quince, was in speaking about the proposed Centre for Dental Development at the University of Suffolk. While the plans for a new training centre in Norwich are currently under consideration as a long-term project, it was heartening to his view that the Ipswich Centre for Dental Development was a good project that would address this shortage.

Many of you will remember that I’ve already called on the Government to change the rules to ensure that once dental students are fully trained they are obligated to spend a period of time within the NHS before going private. It’s crazy that the taxpayer invests dental training and then once qualified many immediately go private.

Well done to my Norfolk colleague Jerome Mayhew for hosting this debate.

Today Minister Duddridge, Minister for International Trade, joined me in visiting Ipswich’s Frugalpac. This was the Miniter’s first official visit in the role, so I am incredibly pleased it was to Ipswich!

We heard plans for international trade from the business, as well as some great initiatives working with local schools and tech colleges.

I have mentioned before how supportive I am of Frugalpac – an innovative, locally-based business focused on sustainability, which brings opportunities and jobs to Ipswich. Very proud to have them in Ipswich and pleased to see the Minister here today.

As many of you will know I’ve been on the Education Select Committee for many years joining the Committee shortly after my election. I’ve found my time on the Committee hugely rewarding and I do think that I’ve been able to make a positive difference. Throughout my time on the Committee, I’ve been hugely vocal on the need to improve provision for those with special educational needs. As I’ve said before many times, I myself have learning disabilities and I’m hugely passionate about this area. However to ensure that I have adequate time for main priority, representing my constituents and my new role I’ve decided to come off the Education Select Committee. Don’t worry, my strong interest in education and in particular SEND will continue.

I have a strong interest in the Union and felt that Northern Ireland is currently a hugely important area of Government work and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to make a difference here by supporting the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris and the Minister of State Steve Baker.

I will continue to be very vocal in Parliament on all matters to do with Ipswich and that will always be priority number one. I do however look forward to the challenges presented by this new position.

Thank you to Theatre Manager Sally and Chief Executive Doug for showing me around the New Wolsey Theatre this week. They have just been nominated the ‘Most Welcoming Theatre’ by UK Theatre Awards. Wonderful to hear the theatre is being recognised for their hard work and contribution to the community.

The New Wolsey Theatre is a part of Ipswich’s unique and strong cultural identity. It’s clearly a welcoming space, with 8 theatre groups, and I was especially pleased to hear that that it is accessible to those with learning disabilities, with specialised provision for those with autism and learning disabilities. Two of their theatre groups are youth, and there’s a teen group too – giving young people a positive way of expressing themselves.

The theatre also works with schools, which teachers and pupils always love. The work being done here is incredibly valuable for the Town. The theatre here is about much more than what is on stage – clearly a very valuable asset for the community, and one which is making a positive difference. Very pleased to see the hard work being recognised with the ‘Most Welcoming’ award. Thank you to the team at New Wolsey Theatre.

Today I met Ravi to talk about the Indian community in Ipswich. There are 2,000 people who come from the Ravi’s state, Karnataka, in Ipswich – with 19 families from the same street!

We discussed the involvement of the Indian community in politics, as well as trade between businesses in Ipswich and the Indian states of Kerala, Gujarat, and Karnataka.

Lovely to meet Ravi today.